Tulsa County Sheriff’s use of public funds questioned

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – The son of a man who was fatally shot by a Tulsa County ex-volunteer deputy is questioning the use of public funds to help pay for the sheriff’s fight against a grand jury investigation into the office.

Eric Harris’ son, Aidan Fraley, asked officials at a Tuesday town hall meeting why taxpayers, including members of his own family, will help pay for private attorneys for sheriff Stanley Glanz. County commissioners had OK’d a contract last week, approving the sheriff to retain outside counsel.

More than 6,000 Tulsa residents petitioned for the investigation into Glanz, whose lawyers say some of the signatures were gathered improperly and argue for the petition’s dismissal.

Ex-reserve deputy Robert Bates shot and killed Harris in April. Authorities say Harris ran during a gun-sales sting operation.